The Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, has cautioned the Ghana Police Service against affiliating with any political party, stressing that its duty is to serve the nation impartially.
He made the call during his historic maiden visit to the Police Headquarters in Accra, aimed at strengthening peace and national security through collaboration between the Police Service and traditional leaders.
The monarch acknowledged the critical role traditional authorities play in maintaining peace and security, describing the visit as a partnership effort, since the protection of the country is a shared responsibility.
“One institution draws authority from ancestral memory, while the other derives its mandate from the Constitution. Yet both exist for a sacred task: preserving order, dignity, and peace in society,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed gratitude to the police for their selfless sacrifices, from the lowest-ranked officer to the top leadership, in keeping Ghanaians safe over the years. He commended their efforts in maintaining peace, noting Ghana’s global recognition as an oasis of stability.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women in blue,” he said. “I therefore thank the Police Service for its faithful service, selfless sacrifices, and for standing guard while we sleep. Your role is crucial, and we are grateful.”
The Asantehene also underscored the importance of traditional mechanisms in maintaining law and order, observing that custom was the first law and tradition the first constitution.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, also acknowledged the vital role traditional leaders play in peacebuilding and national security.
“The Police Service recognises the role traditional leaders play in peace and national security. We therefore view this visit as a form of collaboration with chiefs, since the protection of the country is a shared concern,” he said.
IGP Yohuno expressed delight at hosting the Asantehene, describing the visit as historic.
“Words cannot fully express the joy and privilege we feel in hosting the great kingdom on this historic visit. This occasion is not only symbolic but unprecedented — a moment that will be permanently engraved in the institutional memory of the Ghana Police Service and our nation’s security architecture,” he stated.
He highlighted the rich history of traditional policing in Ghana, noting that long before modern European-style policing, African societies — particularly kingdoms — had well-established systems of law, order, and justice.
“These traditional systems ensured social order, peaceful conflict resolution, and community safety through customs deeply understood and respected by the people. This represents one of the earliest forms of organised policing in our land,” he added.
Report by Bernard K. Dadzie, Greater Accra Region.
